help I'm new

[angelic2208]

I have always been fair skinned and a couple of weeks ago I started laying in a tanning bed. Well the first few days were fine, but the last couple of days I have noticed that on my stretch marks (all over my stomach from being pregnant, my son is now two) they begin to itch and hurt a few hours after I get out. These stretch marks are pretty bad and cover most of my stomach. I don't know what to do, because I am finally starting to get some color and I don't want to quit tanning..Can anyone give me advice on what to do?

[BrownJen]

Welcome to Iamtan!

How often are you tanning and at what intervals are you increasing your exposure time(s)?

Itching can be one of the first signs of overexposure so I would suggest decreasing your time. It may also be heat rash. Heat rash is caused by overheating, your sweat gets trapped beneath your skin and causes tiny bumps and red skin, and it makes you itchy. I would suggest not tanning again until it clears, as tanning in this condition will only aggravate it. Changing positions in the bed can help prevent heat rash, as it gives your skin a chance to "breathe" & cool off.

If you haven't already read this article, take a look as it explains Heat Rash pretty well. http://my.webmd.com/content/Article/8/1680_54300.htm

[angelic2208]

I have been tanning almost everyday, about 6-8 minutes each time. I am not turning though, because I am new at this, I didn't even think about it. So I will try turning, that way I will hopefully not get heat rash or whatever I have, and plus I will get better coverage. Thanks!